
Serving God Through Faith in Action
At Salem Church, we believe that serving God means putting our faith into action — doing good for others in our community and throughout the world.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” — Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
There are so many ways to get involved in the hands-on work of mission and outreach here at Salem. Check out the list below to see how God is moving through our church.
Local Mission Support
At Salem Church, we are deeply committed to supporting the work God is already doing in our own backyard. Our Local Mission Support efforts provide resources, partnerships, and encouragement to ministries and organizations that bring help, hope and healing to people throughout our community.
We believe that when the body of Christ works together, lives are changed and God’s love shines brightly.
Click on the arrows below to learn about the local missions we support.
Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries
Bay Shore Camp & Family Ministries is a cherished retreat center and century-old institution in Sebewaing, offering generations of families a Christian-centered environment for spiritual growth and recreation. With its picturesque grounds, the camp provides year-round retreat spaces and hosts special events like “Family Fun Days,” serving as a vibrant hub for the local community. Following its move to an independent, non-denominational focus, Bay Shore has expanded its reach, continuing its mission to invite all people to experience Jesus Christ and nurture their relationship with him. Beyond traditional overnight camping, Bay Shore also offers innovative programs like Traveling Day Camps, bringing its transformative experiences to young people directly in their own communities.
Bluewater Thumb Youth For Christ
Blue Water Thumb Youth For Christ (YFC) is a beacon of hope and guidance for middle and high school students across Michigan’s “Thumb” region, fostering Christ-centered communities through grassroots efforts. By actively immersing its staff and volunteers in students’ daily lives—from school lunches and sporting events to local gathering spots—YFC builds authentic, trust-based relationships. The organization’s programs, including Campus Life and Parent Life, provide safe, faith-based spaces for young people to connect with mentors, navigate life’s pivotal moments, and grow spiritually. Beyond its programs, YFC engages the broader community through local events and relies on dedicated volunteers to support its mission, creating a powerful network of faith and service for the next generation.
Faith Quest Family Adventure Park
As a family adventure park and day camp ministry operated by Bay Shore Camp in Gagetown. Faith Quest offers an enriching blend of outdoor recreation and faith-based education. Formerly known as Noah’s Ark Family Fun Center, the park provides an affordable destination where families and school groups can enjoy a wide array of activities, including mini-golf, inflatables, and canoeing on a private 21-acre lake. During the summer, its day camps offer children a fun and nurturing environment rooted in biblical teachings, while spring and fall provide perfect field trip opportunities. Faith Quest is a testament to the power of combining joyful community activities with purposeful spiritual development, creating lasting memories for all who visit.
Pigeon Ecumenical Food Pantry
The Pigeon Ecumenical Food Pantry, housed at the Pigeon First United Methodist Church, is a collaborative interfaith ministry that has been a community lifeline for nearly 50 years. Run by a partnership of nine local churches, the pantry works tirelessly to combat food insecurity by providing essential non-perishable food items, fresh produce, refrigerated goods, and personal care products to families in need. Through bi-weekly distributions and appointments, this vital service offers a safety net for vulnerable residents in the Pigeon area. The pantry’s success is a powerful example of local congregations and community volunteers coming together to address a fundamental human need.
Top Of The Thumb Leisure Ministries
Top of the Thumb Leisure Ministries (TTLM) is an interdenominational Christian organization that has enriched Michigan’s “Thumb” area with spiritual programming and community events since 1970. The ministry is best known for its Sunday evening Vesper services, often held at the Pigeon River Mennonite Church, which provide a welcoming opportunity for both residents and vacationers to worship together. TTLM also extends its spiritual outreach beyond the church walls by actively participating in popular local gatherings like the “Cheeseburger in Caseville” festival. By fostering cooperation among various local Christian churches, TTLM effectively unites different congregations to serve and support the community.
National Mission Support
At Salem Church, we recognize that God’s call to serve extends far beyond our own community. Through National Mission Support, we partner with ministries and organizations across the United States that are sharing the love of Jesus and meeting critical needs in diverse communities.
We believe that by working together with faithful partners nationwide, we can bring assurance, wholeness and life change to individuals and families from coast to coast.
Click on the arrows below to learn about the national missions we support:
Paul and Arin Shupe – FamilyLife Ministries
Paul and Arin Shupe bring a unique perspective to their work with FamilyLife, having transitioned from dairy farming in Elkton, Michigan, to ministry focused on strengthening marriages and families. They and their daughters relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, to work with FamilyLife, a division of Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ). Their personal journey informs their mission to equip families with biblical resources for parenting and marriage. While based in Arkansas, the Shupes continue to impact the North/Central United States, drawing on their faith and experience to help develop godly families.
International Mission Support
Through International Mission Support, Salem Church joins hands with global ministries and missionaries providing prayer, resources and partnership to communities around the world. Together, we help bring faith, renewal and lasting transformation to people in every nation, demonstrating God’s love in action.
We are honored to play a part in God’s global story — helping to build His kingdom and transform lives through prayer, giving, and partnership. As Jesus commanded,
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”— Mark 16:15 (NIV)
Ethiopia Nazrawiyan Annual Conference (ENAC) and Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) Partnership
This partnership represents a vibrant connection between the Great Lakes region of the United States and the heart of East Africa, as the Great Lakes Annual Conference (GLAC) provides critical support to the newly established Ethiopia Nazrawiyan Annual Conference (ENAC). Formalized in February 2025, this collaboration enables local churches, groups, and individuals within the GLAC to sponsor Ethiopian pastoral families, providing essential resources for their children’s food, clothing, and education. Furthermore, GLAC leaders travel to Ethiopia to deliver intensive training to local clergy, strengthening leadership and ministry across the region. The partnership also addresses practical needs by funding the purchase of motorcycles for Ethiopian Presiding Elders, allowing them to traverse challenging terrain and serve rural congregations more effectively. This missional partnership is a powerful example of global Methodist churches working together for sustainable growth and shared spiritual development.
Gideons International
Gideons International is a globally active evangelical organization dedicated to sharing the message of hope found in Jesus Christ through the widespread distribution of Bibles and New Testaments. Founded in 1899, this interdenominational association has grown to include over 240,000 members worldwide, impacting billions of lives across some 200 countries and territories. While famously known for placing Bibles in hotel rooms since 1908, the Gideons strategically place Scripture in a variety of locations, including hospitals, prisons, schools, and military bases globally, distributing an estimated two copies every second. Their mission goes beyond simply placing Scriptures, focusing on personal testimony and a commitment to see lives transformed by God’s word.
Our partnership with Gideons has supplied 1,850 New Testaments annually for distribution around the world.
Oasis Conference Of The Global Methodist Church
The Oasis Conference is a courageous international missions’ partner of the Global Methodist Church, serving persecuted Christians in “closed nations” across Africa, particularly in regions with Muslim majorities. Operating where conversion to Christianity can lead to severe social exclusion, loss of family and employment, and even imprisonment or violence, the conference provides vital spiritual support, training, and resources to pastors and believers who risk everything for their faith. Supported by U.S. annual conferences, including the Great Lakes Annual Conference, the Oasis Conference equips leaders, offers contextually relevant clergy training to minimize costs and travel burdens, and funds special projects such as evangelistic radio broadcasts that bypass censorship or securing safe houses for pastors in danger. The Oasis Conference embodies a profound commitment to spreading the Gospel and nurturing faith in the face of significant persecution.